‘It touches my heart to help a child’- Fred Watts, Lions Club

Watts is in his fifth year of helping build beds for Sleep in Heavenly Peace

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF)- “Being a mountain boy already, Campbell County attracted me,” said Fred Watts. Campbell County, namely the Cove Lake area, has been home to Watts almost 23 years.

“I grew up about midway between Jackson and Hazard in Breathitt County, Kentucky, and I spent my career in the Cincinnati area. After retiring, I wanted to find a place I could enjoy, because I wanted to get away from all the hustle and bustle of the city,” said Watts.

Watts spent almost all his career with one company, Frank Tea & Spice Company, as a production supervisor. Frank began in 1896 and was family owned, but up in Watts’ career with Frank, the business was sold. That was followed by name changes and another time or two of being sold. Watts carries great memories from his time with Frank, especially when the Frank family owned and operated it.

For 17 years, Watts has been a member of the Lions Club and has been helping build beds with Sleep in Heavenly Peace for five years. “It touches my heart to do something for a child. There’s an old saying, a man never stood so tall as when he knelt to help a child,” said Watts.

“I’ve never found a place (Campbell County) I’ve enjoyed so much in my life,” said Watts. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-10/28/2025-6AM-PHOTOS COURTESY OF WLAF’S CHARLIE HUTSON)